Ai Weiwei and HHF Architects Create a Rural Retreat For Two Art Collectors
Composed of geometric forms clad in corrugated iron, the residence doubles as a gallery for the couple's collection.
Designed by Swiss studio HHF Architects and Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei, the Tsai Residence was designed as a weekend home for an art collector couple who wanted a gallery space for their large paintings.
Courtesy of Nikolas Koenig
Sited on the highest point of a large, elevated plot in the town of Ancram, New York, the 4,000-square-foot residence appears as a simple abstract figure composed of four rectangular structures.
Courtesy of Iwan Baan
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These simple, timber-frame buildings are clad in corrugated galvanized iron on the outside, and gypsum panels on the inside.
Courtesy of Iwan Baan
The balloon-frame home features a shiny, metallic facade that was inspired by the agricultural sheds commonly seen in farms in the area.
Courtesy of Iwan Baan
The horizontal edges of the corrugated iron sheets overlap to articulate the house’s structure, creating vertical pockets of glazed openings where natural light shines through to illuminate the interiors and artwork hanging on the walls.
Courtesy of Iwan Baan
Within, small passageways connect the boxes, so the four volumes dissolve into lofty living spaces with expansive white walls.
On a green, elevated plot in Ancram, New York, an art collector couple has designed their weekend home to serve as a gallery space for their large paintings. Designed by Swiss studio HHF Architects and Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei, the residence is an abstract work of art in itself, made up of four rectangular geometric forms clad in corrugated iron. The overlapping of the horizontal edges create dimension in the structure, while allowing vertical slivers of natural light to shine through and illuminate the interiors and artwork on the walls.
Courtesy of Iwan Baan
The rooms differ in height, and are positioned along a line that traverses the house via two small staircases.
Courtesy of Iwan Baan
Courtesy of Iwan Baan
Courtesy of HHR Architects
Editor’s Note 6/24/19: This home is now listed through Klemm Real Estate for $5,250,000.
Project Credits:
Architecture: HHF Architects and Ai Weiwei
Builders and cabinetry design and installation: Reed Contracting Services
Structural and civil engineer: Proper & O’Leary Engineering dpc
Landscape design: Sozo Landscape Design
Windows and doors: Case
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